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WCCS: Implementation of autism program, one of best in state

COLUMBIA CITY — For the third year in a row, Whitley County Consolidated Schools will be offering teacher training for autistic students, implementing a strategy teachers can follow to better meet the needs of students.After receiving a two year grant, WCCS has already been working with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, who provides trainers and expert consultants to schools in the state, and this year WCCS’ teachers will receive training again using the special education grant dollars.“The training is on the part of a team of teachers in the school as many students on the appropriately placed in general education classrooms,” said O’Connor.Due to their hard work in the district O’Connor said the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) will be welcoming WCCS’s special ed director, assistant director and a director from IU, who leads up the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, to present the school’s work with autistic students at this year’s national conference.The welcome came after a proposal was written by the three individuals detailing the work WCCS has accomplished to meet the needs of autistic students.“This is particularly exciting because as far as we know we will be the only school in the state with a district wide program for autistic students,” said WCCS Superintendent Dr. Patricia O’Connor. “It makes all the difference in the lives of our autistic students when we have expert training to meet their need.”As the school corporation continues their work, O’Connor said the training is a step in the right direction to further benefit the students.“I think this is something we can continue to be proud of that we are moving in this direction,” said O’Connor.